Jason Crawford

CEO, Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems

Jason Crawford served eight years in the U.S. Army and received the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart.

I am forever grateful to the University for the education and opportunities I was given. Those experiences encouraged, molded and challenged me. I believe the University has the opportunity to impact another one like me, so for me and my family, we will support UWF with our time and giving.

Why did you choose UWF?

I knew UWF had a good business school with the right credentials, but I didn’t realize how awesome the campus was until I arrived. Once I got involved, it was a wonderful experience both in the classroom and in student life.

How did your studies at UWF prepare you for your career?

I grew up at UWF. The student organizations I was a part of served as a launching pad to learn vital communication and leadership skills. Those experiences gave me a chance at an early age to lead a group of peers, hold responsibilities, and get in trouble and be called into the Dean’s office. Those successes and failures challenged me to be a better person. Later, the MBA program taught me business strategy and management.

Serving eight years in the U.S. Army, you were wounded in Iraq before earning the Purple Heart. How did this change the trajectory of your life?

That experience gave me a sense of urgency to make a difference in life. Looking back now 14 years, it was a blessing to have served in the Army and have those experiences that now give me the courage to handle any situation.

How does UWF cater to military students?

The original reason I went into the Army was to get money to go to college. I chose UWF, and my experience was great. The veteran’s office on campus was key to helping me figure out how to use my military benefits. The evening classes also help a lot of military students. There is no doubt that UWF is a patriotic campus that goes out of its way to cater to the military student.